SB 5666 creates a grant program to address Washington's shortage of school psychologists by funding full-time school psychology interns in public schools. School districts, charter schools, and tribal education schools can apply for grants covering 75% of interns' entry-level salaries, provided interns are enrolled in accredited programs and placed with qualified supervisors. The program aims to increase the pipeline of school psychologists by supporting internships, which research shows improves retention after three years of employment. It requires annual reporting on grant recipients, demographic data, and program outcomes starting in 2026.
This bill modifies the Washington college grant and college bound scholarship programs, impacting students seeking financial aid for higher education in Washington state. It codifies the maximum eligibility for the Washington college grant to students with family incomes up to 60 percent of the state median family income. The bill also adjusts how maximum grant amounts are calculated for various institutions, including private universities and apprenticeship programs, with some changes taking effect in the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, it updates criteria for institutional eligibility, specifically for out-of-state affiliated institutions, to participate in these financial aid programs.
HB 1259 establishes new standards for supervision requirements that behavioral health professionals must meet to work in Washington state public schools. It requires collaboration between the Student Achievement Council, institutions offering behavioral health programs, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to create these standards. The bill specifically affects licensed professionals including advanced clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors working in elementary and secondary schools. These standards will help ensure these professionals meet licensing and certification requirements while providing services in schools.
SB 5574 requires Washington public schools to teach Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history as part of social studies curriculum. Starting in the 2029-30 school year, all K-12 schools must include this history when aligned with state standards, covering topics like community contributions to civil rights, local/regional history, and economic/cultural impacts. The bill mandates the state superintendent to develop learning standards and approved curricula by September 2028, with school districts reporting on implementation annually beginning in 2030. This applies to all public school students in Washington, directly affecting curriculum content and instructional practices across the state.
HB 1479 creates a state matching grant program to supplement federal funding for American Indian and Alaska Native students. It requires school districts and tribal education compact schools that received federal Indian education grants under Title VI of the Every Student Succeeds Act to submit strategic plans outlining goals for cultural programming, academic achievement, and family engagement. The state grant matches federal funds (with tribal consultation required if combined funding reaches $40,000+) and supports activities like cultural identity education, attendance improvement, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. The program mandates annual reporting to the legislature on grant recipients and outcomes starting June 2026. It directly affects eligible school districts and tribal schools in Washington state.
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HB 2044 revises how unexcused student absences are addressed by school districts, affecting students and their parents. The bill eliminates the requirement for school districts to file truancy petitions before a child's fifth unexcused absence. Instead, after a fifth unexcused absence, districts are directed to enter into an attendance agreement with the parent or child (if age eight or above), either directly or through a community engagement board. Truancy petitions to juvenile court are now generally required only if an attendance agreement is not reached or not complied with, and typically not before the child's 15th unexcused absence in a school year.
SB 5546 requires public schools in Washington to install solar energy systems on new buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet. Schools planning construction starting June 1, 2025, must notify the state superintendent about solar feasibility and costs, with full installation required before occupancy for projects starting after June 1, 2028. The bill creates a state grant program to reimburse schools for solar installation costs, but only for projects demonstrating a positive 25-year cost-benefit analysis. This directly affects public school districts constructing large new buildings, aiming to reduce energy costs and emissions through mandatory solar adoption.
HB 1337 modifies governance rules for Washington's public universities by requiring student and faculty representatives on governing boards. It mandates that each university's board include one student (appointed annually from student-elected candidates) and one faculty member (appointed for three years from faculty nominations), with both excluded from voting on faculty hiring or discipline matters (except for presidential appointments). The bill affects all public universities, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and regional campuses, by altering board composition and appointment processes. Key changes include standardized term lengths for board members and specific selection procedures for student/faculty roles, aiming to enhance academic community input in leadership decisions. The legislation declares an emergency to expedite implementation.
HB 1618 expands Washington State's existing "College in the High School" program to include students attending state-approved private high schools. The bill requires institutions of higher education to offer dual-credit courses at no cost to 9th-12th grade students in both public and qualifying private schools, with private school participation now explicitly included in the program's definition. Key provisions mandate that private schools must be state-approved, require schools to award high school credit for successful completion, and ensure no fees for students enrolling in these courses. This change directly affects private school students seeking college credit while still in high school, aligning their access with public school peers.
House Bill 1486 adds a student member to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, increasing its total membership from nine to ten. This change ensures that a student currently enrolled in a community or technical college will have a voice in the board's decisions. The student member will serve a one-year term and must be at least 18 years old. They will participate in discussions and policy development, though they will be excluded from voting on matters related to hiring, discipline, personnel, or pending litigation.
